GCU vs. Prescott College

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with Prescott College in Prescott, AZ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than Prescott College based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 867 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Prescott College is in Prescott, AZ (Small City setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Prescott College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Prescott College 8:1.

GCU vs. Prescott College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Prescott College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Grand Canyon University than Prescott College ($22,928 vs. $23,377).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Prescott College are 6.8% lower than at Grand Canyon University ($10,902 vs. $11,700).
• Prescott College is 99.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCU (about $17,835 more per year; $35,685.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.9% higher at Prescott College than at Grand Canyon University (about $17,835 more per year; $35,685.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Grand Canyon University as at Prescott College (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Prescott College students is 155.1% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($25,158 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. Prescott College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Prescott College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Prescott College and GCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Prescott College (1190) is 130 points higher than at GCU (1060).
• Incoming GCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Prescott College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113; Prescott College 1095/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22; Prescott College 15/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Prescott College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Prescott College Aug 15, 2027.
• Prescott College has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than GCU (78.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 5.8% at Prescott College.

GCU vs. Prescott College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Prescott College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Grand Canyon University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Prescott College's (29%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $20,400 more per year than Prescott College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Prescott College graduates ($18,750 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Prescott College graduates ($193 vs. $201).
• More Prescott College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 32%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.